When people are socially connected they are more likely to experience better physical health as well as mental and emotional wellbeing. Recent scientific evidence suggests that meaningful social networks and positive social relationships act as defence against loneliness and isolation, contributing to improved health and longevity.
Ending Loneliness Together, a Partner of Bolton Clarke, have shown that almost one in 3 Australians feel lonely, 1 in 6 Australians are experiencing severe loneliness and 15% of Australians are often or always experiencing loneliness (Ending Loneliness Together, 2023).
Connect Local, a collaboration led by Bolton Clarke, with Alfred Health, South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network and the Australian Disease Management association, has worked with local residents and care providers to codesign this social connection program in Glen Eira, Melbourne. This program supports community members 65 years and older, to link with local social activities to improve social connection and promote wellbeing.
Launched in May 2023, the program now has three trained Community Connectors (pictured above) who work with local GPs, clinicians, service providers and local hospitals to link older community members with existing social and wellbeing activities.
An evaluation is being done alongside the program by the Bolton Clarke Research Institute, to assess the impacts of the program, where the results could support this program being taken up and delivered around Australia.
Our dedicated Community Connectors have engaged with over 90 people, facilitating connections with an array of activities such as gardening, cooking, art classes and companioning programs.
“I have lived in Bentleigh for 40 years, and still didn’t know about all these places! It’s changed my life,” said Isaac of Bentleigh.
More news about the program can be found here.
Get involved
If you are 65 years and older, living in Glen Eira, or know of someone who lives in Glen Eira, and are interested in being more socially connected, please reach out to Connect Local:
- FREE CALL: 1800 929 022
- Email: enquiries@connectlocal.org.au
- Website: connectlocal.org.au
If you live outside of Glen Eira, and are interested in supporting the program, you can volunteer to be involved in the evaluation.
What does the evaluation involve?
The Bolton Clarke Research Institute evaluation team are seeking people who are 65 years and older and are interested in being more socially connected.
The evaluation involves one of the team phoning you once every 3 months for 12 months, to ask you some questions about your feelings, health, healthcare use and any support you receive from friends and family. It’s a straightforward process and will benefit the program and future users.
For more information contact Connect Local via email at research@connectlocal.com.au, or message the project lead, Dr Rajna Ogrin (pictured below), on 0400 253 459 or via email rogrin@boltonclarke.com.au.
Reference
Ending Loneliness Together. (2023). State of the Nation Report – Social Connection in Australia. Retrieved from https://endingloneliness.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ELT_LNA_Report_Digital.pdf